The Routledge Guidebook to Aquinas' Summa Theologiae

The Routledge Guidebook to Aquinas' Summa Theologiae introduces readers to a work which represents the pinnacle of medieval Western scholarship and which has inspired numerous commentaries, imitators, and opposing views. Outlining the main arguments Aquinas utilizes to support his conclusions on various philosophical and theological questions, this clear and comprehensive guide explores: the historical context in which Aquinas wrote a critical discussion of the topics outlined in the text including theology, metaphysics, epistemology, psychology, ethics, and political theory the ongoing influence of the Summa Theologiae in modern philosophy and theology. Offering a close reading of the original work, this guidebook highlights the central themes of Aquinas’ masterwork and is an essential read for anyone seeking an understanding of this highly influential work in the history of philosophy.

Preface Part I. General Introduction 1. Thomas Aquinas’s Life, Work, and Impact Part II. The Exitus/Reditus of the Summa theologiae 2. God’s Existence and Essence 3. Creation 4. Human Nature 5. The Structure of Human Actions 6. The Morality of Human Actions 7. Virtue and Beatitude, Vice and Sin 8. The Theological and Cardinal Virtues (Secunda Secundae) 9. Christ’s Incarnation and the Sacraments of the Church 10. Life and Judgment after Death Part III. The Summa Today 11. Contemporary Thomistic Philosophy Bibliography Index

Jason T. Eberl is the Semler Endowed Chair for Medical Ethics and Professor of Philosophy at Marian University in Indianapolis, USA.